Quick summary of key school information
School details
| Number of students |
Over 2200 students. |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
Over 50 nationalities |
| Most common nationality |
The majority of students at our school come from Hong Kong, the US, Canada, and the UK. Other prominent nationalities represented include South Korea, Australia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Russia, India, Germany, and Italy. |
| Ratio of local students to international students |
All of our students are international students. |
| Native English and Chinese speaking teachers |
Our teachers are fully qualified and come from over 20 different countries. In most cases, our International teachers are from countries/regions such as England, the United States, Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, and Scotland. We also have teachers from our host country of mainland China as part of our unique Co-Teaching programme. |
| Language support for students not fluent in English and Chinese |
We endeavour to accept students ranging from those with lower English ability to those who are native English speakers. We have an English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme in place to support students who are not native English speakers. The curriculum for Years 10 - 13 demand an especially high level of English; interested applicants to these programmes should consult the Admissions Office regarding entrance requirements. |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
YCIS Shanghai offers a bilingual environment of English and Chinese. We are the only international school that focuses on students becoming bilingual in English and Chinese. We also offer Spanish and Korean classes in Secondary. |
| Max. number of students per class |
• Kindergarten 2: 16 (with two Co-Teachers and a Nanny (helper))
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| Average number of students per class |
We maintain an average class size of 21 students by adding additional classes as needed to keep numbers low. Our Co-Teaching model ensures a student-to-teacher ratio of 10:1. |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
All kindergarten classrooms have a Nanny (helper) to assist the two Co-Teachers in each classroom. |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
Technology is one of our key focus areas. Each classroom is equipped with individual iPads for every student. Students also participate in hands-on activities such as robotics, coding, engineering, 3D printing, Virtual Reality, and more. |
| Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online during emergencies) |
Yes |
| Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
We do not incorporate religious practices in our school, recognising the diversity of cultures and religions among our student body. Instead, we encourage students and parents to celebrate and share their cultures through events, cuisine, show-and-tell, and other activities at school |
| How does the school accommodate non-religious students or students of a different religion? |
We warmly welcome students of all beliefs and non-religious students. |
| External examinations or assessments available |
IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education), the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), and the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (HKDSE) |
| Results in these examinations |
YCIS Shanghai students are known for their excellence in academics, including examination results and overall scholastic achievement. A rigorous academic programme, paired with a holistic approach to education is the reason why YCIS Shanghai graduates continue to be accepted at top-ranked universities around the world. The average combined IB score of the YCIS Shanghai Class of 2025 was 34. |
| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
The school ensures that homework is an integral part of the curriculum and is planned and prepared alongside all other learning programmes. Teachers will give homework according to the age, ability, and circumstances of the students, taking into account individual learning needs. There is no official homework assigned for the Kindergarten students. |
| Approximate hours of homework given |
In the Primary Section, all students are expected to read every night, in addition to Chinese assignments and other subject work, as assigned. Depending on the child, year group, and nature of the homework, times vary between 20 and 90 minutes per night. For the Secondary Section, homework time varies between 90 and 150 minutes per night in Years 7 - 9, and between 180 and 210 minutes per night in Years 10 - 13. |
| Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
The majority of our students attend higher education institutions following graduation, and those who do not pursue entrepreneurship. |
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
Yes, we have dedicated departments to support students with special learning needs. If we are unable to provide the necessary resources, we work closely with parents to ensure students receive appropriate support, coordinating with external specialists when needed. |
| Learning support offered |
We provide dedicated one-on-one support when necessary, as well as small group instruction to address individual learning needs |
| The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
We have a dedicated Stretch and Challenge Teacher who focuses exclusively on supporting gifted students, especially in Mathematics and English. These students are withdrawn from regular classes once or twice a week to engage in advanced projects and enrichment activities tailored to their abilities. |
| Student access to education psychologist |
We have school counsellors located on all of our campuses |
| Entry evaluation for students |
Yes. |
| Brief description of entry evaluation required |
In addition to a review of previous school records, admissions assessments may also include a one-on-one meeting or interview, a written placement test, an external assessment (for children with significant learning needs), and/or an online English language evaluation. |
| Waiting list |
The waiting list depends on the year level. |
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
There is no application deadline as our school operates a rolling admissions system. However, due to limited spaces, we encourage early applications. |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
As a service to the mobile global community, we attempt to accept students throughout the entire current academic year. Some restrictions may apply with respect to certain programmes offered (i.e. the IB programme), or limited seating for certain year levels. |
| School start time |
Ronghua Campus: 8:00am
|
| School finish time |
Ronghua Campus: 3:00pm
|
| Supervised care before/after school |
Yes |
| School bus service available |
Yes, we have a great number of bus routes available for all campuses. The school bus is optional, as some families prefer to make alternate arrangements for transportation. Normally the pick-up/drop-off point is at the main gate or clubhouse of each housing compound. |
| School provided lunches |
Yes, while students are able to bring lunch from home, optional hot lunches are available for purchase through the school’s catering company and are included in school fees for K2 full-day students. |
| Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
Yes. |
| Uniform required |
Yes, for students in K3 and above. Each year, a full uniform set is provided free of charge and includes a summer and winter dress set and sport set. Students supply their own footwear: one pair of black, leather lace-up or velcro shoes and one pair of black or white (or combination black and white) sports shoes. |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
We offer a wide range of activities for students from K3 to Year 13 through our multifaceted Co-Curricular Activities Programme (CCAs). The majority of the activities are offered after school, but for Secondary students, there are also CCAs available during their lunch break. Co-curricular activities are offered in several sessions per year, and some of our recent CCAs have included:
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| Sports activities included |
Gymnastics, Volleyball, Basketball, Swimming, and more |
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Yes |
| Facilities at the school |
Our campus features fully equipped libraries, theatres, virtual reality rooms, STEAM and robotics labs, an art gallery, and dedicated music facilities. |
| Sports facilities at the school |
Each YCIS Shanghai campus features an indoor gymnasium, a football pitch or playing field, and most campuses have a dance studio, basketball courts, and/or tennis facilities. In Puxi, the school has a dedicated swimming pool and fitness gym. |
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
Yew Chung International School of Shanghai (YCIS Shanghai) is one of the leading international schools in China. Our unique education nurtures the talents of international children aged 2-18. Through Kindergarten, Primary, and Secondary schools, our curriculum helps our students develop strong skills in English and Chinese and become globally-minded for a competitive future. YCIS students consistently achieve ‘Top in the World’ academic results and outstanding extra-curricular successes. Our school is a vibrant community of students, faculty, and families coming together in a warm and collaborative way. |
| Teaching approach of the school |
The YCIS international curriculum is based upon the framework of the National Curriculum for England, further internationalised with components of the best educational systems around the world. In Secondary, study for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) prepares students to undertake the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). |